SEVEN county cricket clubs have received a financial boost with grants totalling £21,532.

Bromyard, Burghill & Tillington, Colwall, Dales, Moccas, Ross-on-Wye and Wormelow have received between £1,000 and £4,000 from the England and Wales Cricket Small Trust Scheme 2015, which is supported by Waitrose.

Herefordshire Cricket Ltd (HCL) have distributed funds from the scheme to clubs which aim at improving their long-term sustainability and to increase the number of games played. Clubs applied to fund projects such as refurbishing kitchens and social areas, purchasing covers to support the ECB's Get the Game On campaign and environmental sustainability helping clubs become the heart of their community.

Wormelow chairman Nigel Evans insists the future is bright both on and off the pitch after putting a special grant to good use.

The club have put the money to good use by building a new barbecue area which will be used during club events.

"Grants are very important because otherwise local cricket clubs haven't got huge bank balances so without the grants a lot of things wouldn't be achieved,” he said.

"We're lucky that we've got a vibrant junior section running from under-9s to under-17s plus three senior teams, so the grants are very important and have been very welcome which enable us to provide facilities for that number of people."

HCL chairman Derek Ling said: "This is a fantastic scheme that gives valuable support to Herefordshire clubs across a variety of projects.

"The scheme allows clubs to make a real difference in their local community and we are really pleased that seven clubs have received support this year.

"We hope other clubs will benefit from funding through this scheme in the future and would also encourage clubs to seek as many opportunities for financial assistance as is possible to ensure that the game remains strong here in Herefordshire.

"Herefordshire Cricket Limited is always keen to help any clubs seeking to improve their facilities and therefore would welcome contact from any interested clubs who might like assistance."

Watrose, who sponsor the England cricket team, supported the initiative by pledging £100 for every four or six scored across the entire home international summer in 2014

Rupert Elwood, head of marketing for Waitrose, said: "As they prepare for a busy summer of fixtures, we are proud to see the positive impact these funds will have on local clubs. "We are especially excited that so many clubs are investing in their kitchen and social areas.

"This grant scheme is dedicated to grassroots cricket, supporting clubs as they build their fundraising activities and ensure a longstanding future as a key part of the local community.

‘We are also delighted to announce we'll be running the Waitrose Boundary Fund again this year. During the upcoming Ashes Series, we'll be donating £100 for every four or six scored by England”.

Mike Gatting, ECB Cricket Partnership Ambassador, added: "We’re passionate about creating a sustainable future for cricket clubs and their communities across England and Wales. "Small grants to clubs across Herefordshire make a huge difference to their long term future."